Online - Exploring tannat with Camille Laplace

With the Pyrenees as its backdrop, Château d’Aydie nestles in the hillside of the tiny commune of Aydie, just a few kilometres west of the village of Madiran in southwest France. This town has had its own AC since 1948, but the Laplace family has been making its mark on Madiran wines for three generations, since Frédéric Laplace breathed life into the family vineyards in 1927. 

The family has earned worldwide acclaim for its mastery of tannat – Madiran’s signature grape variety, which now must constitute a minimum of 50% of the blend, and the grape responsible for the AC’s famous dark, deep, elegant powerhouse reds – to the extent that renowned critics such as Robert Parker have claimed they are one of the best producers of red wines in southwest France. 

Today, the property has 58 hectares under vine: 49 of which are under Madiran AC, with the remaining nine comprising part of the neighbouring white wine appellation, Pacherenc du Vic-Bihl. Within the Madiran vineyards, tannat is the star, along with cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon, whereas in the white vineyards it is ugni blanc, petit manseng, gros manseng and ugni blanc that take centre stage. 

Maydie Tannat, the family’s fortified wine, is hugely popular with members, and is a festive treat with blue cheese or Christmas pudding. The family have been experimenting with wines like this since 1941, and it has now been perfected into a delicious, decadent blend. 

Now one of our most popular offerings, these events are designed to give members an insight into wineries by hearing from those on the ground. Often there will be wines to complement the event, though buying these wines is not compulsory to attend or enjoy the event, and these sessions can be watched with a cup of tea if you would prefer!